In his first top-level interview after taking office, President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria said “thousands” of volunteers are now enlisting in the country’s newly formed army after the overthrown Bashar al-Assad and dissolved his military forces.
Speaking on The Rest is Politics podcast, hosted by Alastair Campbell former spokesman for British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Rory Stewart, a former UK Conservative minister, al-Sharaa added the fact that military service under his leadership is voluntary, in total contrast to decades-long mandatory conscription as was the policy of the previous regime.
“I did not impose mandatory conscription in Syria. Instead, I opted for voluntary enlistment, and today thousands are joining the new Syrian army,” al-Sharaa stated.
Since al-Assad’s fall in December, Syria’s new authorities have moved swiftly to dismantle the country’s previous military and security apparatus. The nation forms a new national military force which requires individuals to attend multiple recruitment venues throughout the national territory. Together these centers help resolve military personnel status from the deposed regime to allow former military members to return if they choose renewed service under present leadership.
The Syrian military faced devastating losses throughout its years of fighting its devastating civil war. From the beginning of the conflict experts forecasted the Syrian Armed Forces would suffer a two-to-one reduction of 300,000 soldiers from death tolls as well as desertions and unwilling recruits.
The continued support of Russia together with Iran and Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militias enabled President al-Assad to preserve his power for extended periods. Their troops combined with extensive military logistical activities maintained the strength of his administration through long years.
Current efforts focus on constructing a new defense force that shows the ambitions of post-war Syrian leadership through inclusive modernized forces and professional military structures. The method adopted by Al-Sharaa to welcome voluntary military recruits seeks to build confidence in Syria’s military forces because his administration tries to break free from the previous practice of forced conscription and brutal methods brought by al-Assad’s rule.
Although the exact figures of new conscripts are unknown, reports indicate that passion for the new army is increasing steadily, especially among young Syrians who want to help with the country’s reconstruction and security. Some experts think that enabling former military members to fit into the new system could help to steady the shift and avoid more fracturing.
Notwithstanding the momentum supporting the military reconstruction of Syria, obstacles still exist. Political instability, economic difficulty, and residual armed factions found in several parts of the country still challenge it. Determining the long-term success of the new army will depend critically on how free of external influences it is, how well trained it is, and its overall unity.
For now, though, al-Sharaa’s focus on voluntary service and national unity marks a notable departure from the past. The creation of a professional military force could be crucial in defining Syria’s future and guaranteeing lasting stability as the country starts this new chapter.
